Pritzker's office expresses deep concern over the picture featuring suspect and alleged peacekeeper
In a recent development, Kellen McMiller, a suspect in last week's deadly smash-and-grab burglary on Chicago's Magnificent Mile, has been charged with murder. McMiller was pictured with Governor J.B. Pritzker at an event promoting so-called "peacekeepers."
The governor's office has expressed concern over the allegations against McMiller, stating that they are extremely troubled to learn that the man in the picture is allegedly involved in a serious crime.
The Peacekeepers Program, which Governor Pritzker supports, has a strong track record of reducing violent crime by 41% over the past two years. However, recent allegations of criminal actions against more than one anti-violence worker have raised questions about the program's selection process.
Retired Riverside, Illinois, Police Chief Thomas Weitzel has expressed concerns about the backgrounds of some peacekeepers, stating that many have criminal histories. In response, Ford, the governor's office, and State Rep. La Shawn Ford, D-Chicago, have emphasised the need for selectivity when choosing peacekeeper group members.
Critics are skeptical about the effectiveness of peacekeeper programs, but the Illinois Office of Firearm Violence Prevention has spent over $375 million to reduce violence and support community violence intervention programs. Governor Pritzker's office has reiterated their commitment to community violence intervention, stating that they will continue to do everything in their power to support these initiatives, which have been proven to work.
In a bid to improve the program, Ford suggests fine-tuning the efforts to better allocate resources for community violence intervention programs. Ford believes that tax dollars should be spent in areas with high violence levels.
Despite the recent allegations, Ford continues to support the use of peacekeeper groups, stating that the Peacekeepers Program provides community members with a path towards rehabilitation. Ford and the governor's office remain committed to fighting crime and keeping neighborhoods safe.
However, the identity of the Peacekeeper member recently arrested by the Chicago police for alleged involvement in a violent crime remains undisclosed, as no publicly available information has been released regarding the individual's name or identity.
Ford and the governor's office are urging the public to wait for the due process of law before making judgments about the Peacekeepers Program and its members. The investigation into the alleged crimes is ongoing, and the public will be updated as more information becomes available.
